Comparison of Ocular Pulse Amplitude Lowering Effects of Preservative-Free Tafluprost and Preservative-Free Dorzolamide-Timolol Fixed Combination Eyedrops

Abstract EN

Purpose.

To compare the ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) lowering effects of preservative-free tafluprost and dorzolamide-timolol fixed combination (DTFC) using dynamic contour tonometry.

Methods.

In total, 66 eyes of 66 patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG) ( n = 34 ) or primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) ( n = 32 ) were included.

Patients were divided into two groups: the preservative-free tafluprost-treated group ( n = 33 ) and the preservative-free DTFC-treated group ( n = 33 ).

Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured using Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT).

OPA was measured using dynamic contour tonometry; corrected OPA (cOPA) was calculated at baseline and at 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment.

Results.

After 6 months of treatment, tafluprost significantly reduced IOP ( P < 0.001 ).

The OPA lowering effects differed significantly between the two treatment groups ( P = 0.003 ).

The cOPA-lowering effect of tafluprost (1.09 mmHg) was significantly greater than that of DTFC (0.36 mmHg) after 6 months of treatment ( P = 0.01 ).

Conclusions.

Tafluprost and DTFC glaucoma treatments provided marked OPA and IOP lowering effects.

Tafluprost had a greater effect than DTFC; thus, this drug is recommended for patients at risk of glaucoma progression, due to the high OPA caused by large fluctuations in IOP.